do clear brackets work as good as metal ones? is being clear the only difference?
Clear brackets are just for the color, they are great if you don't want the all metal look in your mouth. They do the same job. You do have to keep your teeth clean or they will change color to yellowish. Just take your toothbrush with you everywhere and there won't be a problem. I really think they look better than the all metal ones.
Actually, clear end up looking yellow. It's gross. Just get the metal, I did. They looked cute.
I am assuming you are spaeking of the ceramic tooth colored brackets. While they do blend in, they may stain especially if you eat a lot of things like curry - though honsetly it's the ligatures that stain more readily than the brackets. When making my decision, i choise the metal ones cause believe it or not they are smoother against the inside of the mouth and thus create a lot less irritation. They are also cheaper.
They work just as well, you just have to keep them really clean since you can see everything that gets stuck in them!
There is no difference in the outcome that these two types of brackets provide, though price wise ceramic braces are higher. With the metal brackets on, you can afford to ignore the hygiene once in while but not with ceramic (clear) braces. These indirectly help you maintain immacculate oral hygiene, which is rather good for you.
